Ball & patch selection?

[1911 guy]

A rough rule of thumb for a starting powder charge is 1.5 times the caliber, which is about 65 to 70 grains of 2F powder (Pyrodex RS) under a round ball. I would not go over 100 grains in a .45 caliber.

I had always heard the rule of thumb (again, general rule, not hard and fast doctrine) was starting load at one caliber, 45 grains in this case, and max load two calibers, or 90 grains in this case. I agree with everything else in post #2. But if I'm wrong, it probably isn't the first time.

 

[Armored farmer]

......then make yourself a bullet board with a half dozen .46 holes on it. Lay your patch over a hole then punch a ball in and trim the excess patch like you do in the barrel. It's an old time speed loader. Shape the board like a turtle or fish or beaver pelt or Indian maiden. Put a leather thong through it and you're ready for the rendezvous.

 

[Armored farmer]

.....and don't throw out those old white cotton waffle long Johns. They make splendid cleaning patches. Cut them in two inch square while you're watching your soap opera in the afternoon. You'll use a tub full in a years time.

 

[J-Bar]

Some Rules of Thumb, like real thumbs, work better than others...my thumbs are arthritic!!

I wish I could remember where I heard the "1.5 times caliber" guideline but it has been too long ago. It was probably for a hunting load rather than a target load. In any case, it gets you somewhere in the ballpark. As before, each gun will vary. At least the 1.5 X approximation will not be an overload.

I also heard of some old timers holding a ball in the palm of their hand, then pouring powder on the ball until the ball was covered in a pyramid of powder. Never tried it myself.

Somewhere I read about a gunsmith who would test his rifles by spreading a sheet on the ground in front of the muzzle, then increase the powder charge until he could see unburned grains of powder on the sheet. That way he could identify the maximum efficient powder charge for that particular rifle, and make a powder measure for that particular gun. Again, I haven't tried that one either.

My .54 shoots a very nice group with 85 grains of 2F. I'm satisfied.

 

[Armored farmer]

wow I love your 45c rifle so I was wondering how long is the barrel??

Olde Hiram is 58 inches lock, stock, and barrel with a 42 inch barrel.

 

[Tacoma]

muzzeloading is fun next after this I bet you'll want a 1851 navy in 36c and then the maddnes never stops lol! I have two 1851 navies and are looking at a b/p shotgun plus a 32c flintlock rifle for next year to hunt squirrels with the b/p fever hit me!!

Interesting you should mention the 1851 navy revolver. I actually have one along with a Walker pistol and (1858?) Army revolver. Dad built them from kits some 35 years ago. He always intended to shoot them but never got to it. They came to me when he passed and while my intents were true, I have also never have gotten around to shooting them. They are beautiful pistols and a joy to handle. Till now, they have been admired a couple of times a year then put back in the safe. I did go as far as picking up caps, wads & balls last year. Giving these beauties a try are on the retirement bucket list this year! I have no doubt, I could get sucked up into this as I attempt to slow my life down.

 

[Dog Soldier]

I don't know about shooting over paper to judge a barrel? What we do know is science was not popular during the 18th century. German mythology was used to assure accuracy.
The barrel was immersed in running water to rid the evil spirits. The first round was shot at a full moon. Hence, "Shoot the Moon". I wonder if Brownells use these tricks?

 

[J-Bar]

Tacoma;

Since you have an interest in the 1851 Navy, you might find this interesting or at least entertaining.

(I don't expect to ever make a video that goes viral. This one has a way to go to even be considered "fungal". But some of my friends have been complimentary.)

 

[MEHavey]

Just for the heck of it, I poured 3F out of a funnel over a 40cal
ball sitting on a piece of paper -- until juuuuuust covered.
.....125gr (not a prayer of being anywhere near a field load folks)

As as to "unburned powder...." I always have unburned BP

So my usual counsel is: Start at caliber weight; Max near 2x that.
.....Happiest medium? Right in the middle of the band.

.

 

[Dog Soldier]

I just picked up an unfired ASM Mason Dixon 51' Navy. It was made in 2002. It will be fired now. J-Bar what do your think of the 61'?

 

[J-Bar]

I just picked up an unfired ASM Mason Dixon 51' Navy. It was made in 2002. It will be fired now. J-Bar what do your think of the 61'?

Many think the '61 is the most graceful and beautiful of the Colt open tops, and even though I have never owned one, I would not disagree. I drool every time I see Fingers McGee shoot his at a cowboy action match.

Sounds like you have a safe queen! Congratulations.

 

[Noz]

Just for the heck of it, I poured 3F out of a funnel over a 40cal
ball sitting on a piece of paper -- until juuuuuust covered.
.....125gr (not a prayer of being anywhere near a field load folks)

As as to "unburned powder...." I always have unburned BP

So my usual counsel is: Start at caliber weight; Max near 2x that.
.....Happiest medium? Right in the middle of the band.

.

The instructions are to hold the ball cupped in the palm of your hand. Takes a lot less powder to cover rather than on a flat surface.

 

[Noz]

Many think the '61 is the most graceful and beautiful of the Colt open tops, and even though I have never owned one, I would not disagree. I drool every time I see Fingers McGee shoot his at a cowboy action match.

Sounds like you have a safe queen! Congratulations.

Anytime you have a question about a "Colt Belt Pistol" contact Fingers McGee. He has about a pickup load of them.

 

[MEHavey]

"Cup of the hand" is a very subjective baseline shape.
I strongly recommend not using it -- for anything.

 

[Tacoma]

Tacoma;

Since you have an interest in the 1851 Navy, you might find this interesting or at least entertaining.

(I don't expect to ever make a video that goes viral. This one has a way to go to even be considered "fungal". But some of my friends have been complimentary.)

Oh Man, this is going to get expensive

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

You may also use round cotton cleaning patches made for .22 caliber guns. I put a dab of Bore Butter in the center, pile a bunch of them up and microwave them for about 15 seconds (depending on how many are in the pile) and keep them in a plastic yogurt container with an equal number of balls. It may not be authentic but it sure is easy......

 

[Dog Soldier]

J Bar, No safe queen. It will be used.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I don't know about shooting over paper to judge a barrel? What we do know is science was not popular during the 18th century. German mythology was used to assure accuracy.
The barrel was immersed in running water to rid the evil spirits. The first round was shot at a full moon. Hence, "Shoot the Moon". I wonder if Brownells use these tricks?

Thanks. I didn't know about that technique of ridding a barrel of evil spirits.

 

[Dog Soldier]

There were many rites attached to weapons. The first rifles used rifling to throw the demons from the projectiles. The whistling of the spinning balls was believed to be the cries of the demons. The reason the rifle was more accurate the demons caused inaccuracy. The spinning ball threw the demons off. Hence the rifle was more accurate than a musket. Makes sense to me.